Dementia refers to a group of neurological conditions that cause cognitive impairment. They can make it difficult to remember, problem-solve, and make decisions.
It’s a common problem that isn’t going away. The World Health Organization reported that almost 10 million new cases of dementia are reported around the world annually. That works out to approximately a new diagnosis every 3.2 seconds.
As the world’s population increases, so will the number of people with dementia. Reports indicate that the current number of diagnoses will triple by the year 2050.
The Alzheimer’s Association reported that 6.9 million Americans over age 65 are living with Alzheimer’s this year. Approximately 73% of that number are over age 75. That comes to around one in nine adults ages 65 and up with Alzheimer’s disease.
Women make up nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases while older black Americans are two times more likely to have the disease compared to older white Americans.
Even if you aren’t in a higher-risk demographic, you should still be aware of the signs of dementia. You or a loved one could show symptoms without knowing it.
The Early Signs of Dementia
It’s easy to brush off the early signs of dementia. Sometimes, we may just be having an off day. That doesn’t necessarily mean we should worry about cognitive decline. However, when a problem keeps happening or a loved one begins to struggle with daily life, the signs may already be there.
- Unexplained Mood Changes
Dementia may cause severe mood changes that can occur for no obvious reason. Someone with dementia may suddenly become tearful or they may react suspiciously toward someone they normally trust. They may express fear or anger without cause.
Mood changes that are out of character for the individual shouldn’t be ignored. Even if dementia isn’t present, they may be experiencing a mental health problem that requires treatment.
- Familiar Tasks Become Difficult
We often take for granted our ability to perform repetitive tasks. Dementia patients begin to struggle with things they have done before. This can be anything from preparing a meal to playing a game or engaging in a hobby.
It can also involve very basic activities of daily living, like getting dressed, grooming, and bathing.
- Feeling Confused or Disoriented
Dementia patients sometimes experience confusion or feel disoriented. They may not know what time it is or where they are, even if they are somewhere that is familiar to them. For example, they may stand on the street they have lived on for years and not know where they are or how to get back home.
Wandering is a serious concern for seniors with dementia. Moving into an assisted living home with a memory support center can help provide the security needed to keep seniors safe.
- Withdrawal from Social Activities
People with dementia have difficulty communicating and may feel overwhelmed by stimuli in social situations. This combined with negative emotions can lead to withdrawal from social activities.
They may begin to participate less and avoid spaces with groups of people. This puts seniors at risk for isolation and depression.
- Memory Loss That is Disruptive
Memory loss is one of the most well-known symptoms of dementia. Patients may have a hard time recalling people and places. They may also be unable to remember information that was recently learned.
Most people forget things sometimes. This problem is amplified for dementia patients. They forget more frequently and find it difficult to retain new information.
- Problems with Speaking or Writing
Language can become a challenge for people with dementia. They may struggle to find the right words. Common words may simply be missing from their vocabulary, or they may substitute other words that don’t make sense.
- Dementia patients tend to find it more difficult to express themselves clearly. A doctor’s visit will help determine if communication problems are related to dementia or if they are caused by impaired hearing or vision.
- Frequently Misplacing Things
It’s not uncommon to forget where you put something sometimes. This can happen at any age. Usually, the missing item is eventually found because it was left somewhere that wasn’t obvious, moved by someone else, or fell somewhere unexpected.
A senior with dementia may do this more often and may put the item in a strange place. For example, car keys may be left in the freezer, or a wallet may be placed in the medicine cabinet.
- Signs of Poor Judgment
Everyone is guilty of poor judgment sometimes. It happens to healthy people. In dementia patients, poor judgment can begin to appear more frequently and sometimes in harmful or even life-threatening ways.
A senior with dementia may not seek medical care for a health problem or may put on heavy clothing when it’s hot outside. They may also take unnecessary risks like crossing a street without looking or getting into a car with a stranger. They could also do risky things at home like going to sleep with the stove on.
This could be a sign that it’s time to move into a more secure location with supervision. Before choosing senior housing, ask “What amenities should I look for in an assisted living community?” to ensure that a facility can provide the security needed to stay safe.
- Problems with Abstract Thinking
People with dementia struggle with abstract thinking. This can include tasks that involve numbers or symbols. Problems managing finances are usually a big indicator that something is wrong.
When you or a loved one used to be able to pay bills on time and manage bank accounts, but now are missing payments or overdrawing, this can be a red flag. Seniors with cognitive decline are also at a higher risk of financial fraud, which is why it’s important to get checked by a doctor and seek support from a trusted loved one.
What Should You Do If You Notice Dementia Symptoms?
If you notice the signs of dementia in yourself or a loved one, seek a medical evaluation right away. A doctor can determine if dementia is present or if something else is happening. Knowing the facts allows patients and their caregivers to make informed decisions about care and medical treatment.
Living with dementia without knowing you have it can be difficult and dangerous. That’s why an early diagnosis is the best option. Changes can be made as needed to ensure safety and the best quality of life possible.
Many seniors with dementia move into assisted living communities. Some facilities offer memory care that is tailored to the needs of residents with cognitive decline. What do the statistics say about assisted living communities in the United States? Find out so you can make the best decisions about moving forward with dementia.
